[Story] No Name 5

Ahnaf Abdullah - Describe a person who has had a big influence on your life
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In the 26 years of my life, I have not seen or heard anything of more importance than the valuable advice and anecdotes given to me by my Captain Sagara.

Before the Meiji era, the meagre public lived worthless lives unworthy of mention. Farmers were subdued and made to work for free for the Shoguns, no recompense given for their toil and sweat. The feudal lords and vassals ate and drank with great gusto, while others tossed and turned in their beds during the sleepless nights, starving and dreaming of the luscious and delectable morsels they could never consume.

It is in times of hardship that a man like this appears; born out of resolution and invigorated with courage. From noble origins did Captain Sagara sprout, the son of an independent and fearless farmer and a chaste and kind maiden.

Everyone was frustrated at their own weakness and at the cruelty of the Tokugawa regime, but few had the willpower to turn it into a call of duty. I am proud to say that I was amongst the first ones to pledge allegiance to Captain Sagara: even though I was only eight years old, he patted me on the back and smiled, "Thank you, I'll always count on you to watch my back."

Sagara Sozo was a great man. A resplendent red robe covered his black jacket, pockets filled with throwing knives and handkerchiefs. His dark grey trousers were secured to his skinny waist by a belt which also carried his katana(a Japanese sword). His black, straight and shiny hair obscured the red headband which he wore around his forehead. His radiant face was kind, yet hard and unyielding.

He was a youth persevering to change the pitiful condition in which we lived. He went from farmer to farmer, shopkeeper to shopkeeper, civilian to civilian and tried to bring out of them a spirit wanting to take back, a spirit rekindled with hopes and dreams and justice. He would call and preach to anyone who would listen.

The harsh and bitter truth coming out of his little mouth swayed the hearts of the people. His words had the amazing power and eloquence to enchant people's minds and fill them with hope. Soon Captain Sagara had amassed a large following, comprised of people from all spices of life, protesting against the brutal regime and its cruel emperor. And that is how the Sekihoutai was born.

Soon the government came to know of Sekihoutai and feared a revolution. The government invited the group leaders and main members for a 'peaceful negotiation', which turned out to be an ambush. Gatling guns brushfired and tore apart the valiant members of the Sekihoutai.

Captain Sagara quickly ran and stood in front of me, turning himself into a meatshield in an effort to save me. I fell and camouflaged myself amongst my dead brethren, whimpering. But the parting words of my captain changed me for eternity.

Laughing and coughing blood, he said "Don't cry, Sanosuke. It is the ones who are strong in spirit that keep their words and the cowards are those who need to deceit to succeed. Sanosuke, run away from here and never forget this night. Live..., so you can help those who are weak."